Uganda anti-homosexuality bill: Standing in solidarity…

Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF-Africa) would like to express outrage and dismay at the re-introduction of the anti-homosexuality Bill in the Ugandan parliament.

As an African regional organisation that supports women’s human rights, we recognize that sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of ourselves and should never lead to discrimination, abuse or murder.

We should not make people live in constant fear of losing their jobs, their families, their livelihoods, their freedom and their lives because they are seen as different from the rest of us. We are of the opinion that this proposed law is inhumane because it violates every aspect of a human being.

UAF-Africa stands in solidarity with all Africans who stand up, raise their voices, and defend the full equality and human rights of all, including LGBTQI people. We call upon the Ugandan parliament to dismiss the Bill when it comes to the floor of the house for debate. The Ugandan government should be cognisant of its responsibility to promote, protect and respect the human rights of all citizens including putting measures in place that assure everyone of this protection instead of taking away this fundamental human right.

Over the years, Valentine's Day has become a reminder to demonstrate love for each other through gift giving. However, for others it may mean giving even bigger and more substantial gifts, it can be a timely reminder of what REALLY matters in relationships and can help us refocus on giving gifts that have no price tag but can make or break our relationships; Gifts of tolerance, kindness and understanding- the very characteristics that define our humanity.

This Valentine’s Day, UAF-Africa would like to express our unending and full support to the Ugandan LGBTQI community as they go through this trying period and urge all people of the world who support the principles of constitutionalism, human rights for all, inclusivity, and democratic governance to put pressure on the Ugandan parliament to drop this Bill.

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* Urgent Action Fund-Africa, a consciously feminist and women’s human rights Pan-African Fund, was established in 2001 in Nairobi, Kenya. As the first rapid response grantmaker on the continent, UAF-Africa adds value to the work of activists and civil society organisations focusing on women’s active socio-political participation and visibility by leveraging resources and opportunities for critical engagements that advance women’s rights.
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